After a substantial forest thinning project to restore a healthy, sustainable forest and reduce the risk of wildfires, the majority of the Phil's Trail complex is again open for public use.
This trail is classic Central Oregon riding that features cruising singletrack s-turns between towering pine trees, over lava rock, and winding through abundant juniper tree stumps, sagebrush, and manzanita. As with other Central Oregon riding, the trail is often sandy and dusty, especially as the summer heat sets in. The Ben's Trail to Phil's trail Loop is short enough for an evening ride after work but enough of a workout that you will be looking forward to dinner (or a refreshing beverage) following the ride.
Ben's trail begins from the complex trailhead and is one-way directional travel up hill. It is a relatively straightforward climb of 5.5 miles and 800 feet of total elevation gain, though there are a couple of switchback turns through lava rock. The trail officially terminates at Forest Road 300, but it has several branch points prior to that for those seeking a shorter ride.
To continue to Phil's Trail, riders will head south at this junction. Many riders will continue uphill to link with Whoops or Storm King.
Phil's Trail is predominantly one-way downhill riding with the exception of the stretch between Forest Road 300 and Kent's Trail. Again, this trail is not highly technical, and it is a (sometimes crowded) downhill cruise through the Deschutes forest. The trail will cover roughly 6.5 miles and return to the same trailhead where Ben's began. Below the "chicken" intersection and approaching the end of the trail there is a gap in a large boulder that more adventurous riders will opt for.
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